3343 Adina Drive

Hidden Treasure in the Cahuenga Pass

Story Posted On: October 24, 2017

Located in the Cahuenga Pass—the western part of the Hollywood Hills—this mid-century gem was designed and built by architect Harry Greene in 1957. The home is 1,889 sq. ft. on a 10,792 sq. ft. lot nestled in the rolling hills between Universal Studios and the Hollywood Bowl. Secluded and surrounded by old trees and lush vegetation, you'd never know that Hollywood Boulevard with its bustling nightlife, theaters, and restaurants, was only a ten-minute walk away.

Currently owned by actor Ellen Pompeo, star of the hit TV show, Grey’s Anatomy, the three-bed, two-bath home is listed for $1,995 million. Thanks to Pompeo’s love of design and terrific eye, the house has retained the architectural integrity of Greene’s original vision with period elements and modern amenities seamlessly co-existing in the light, and airy space.

An early drawing of the Cahuenga Pass courtesy of the Photo Collection – Los Angeles Public Library

Deer, hawks, coyotes, and raccoons make the Cahuenga Pass their home. And it’s also rich in local history. The lowest pass through the Santa Monica Mountains, people have traveled through it from what is now Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley—from a dirt road to the modern 101 freeway—for centuries.

The Cahuenga Pass today courtesy of the Cahuenga Pass Community Alliance

Fittingly for the area, the first movie ever shot in Hollywood was shot on location in the Cahuenga Pass. Directed by legendary film director, D.W. Griffith, In Old California, a silent film about the Mexican era of California, was made in 1910, and inspired a blossoming movie industry.

But no historical area would be complete without a legend. And there’s a whopper: The Cahuenga Pass Treasure. Rumor has it there is lost treasure in the surrounding hills—gold and jewels buried in 1865. It’s a swashbuckler complete with intrigue, curses, and death—all the drama of a Hollywood film.

As the legend goes, it seems a shepherd named Diego Moreno stole a fortune in gold and jewels from a group of soldiers on their way to San Francisco to buy guns and ammunition for Mexican president Benito Juárez. After the theft, Moreno had a premonition of his own death. He buried his loot near an ash tree in the Hollywood Hills only to die after he told his secret to a close friend. When the friend dug for the treasure, the legend says, he too died. Stories of a curse began to circulate. Everyone looking for the treasure died in some mysterious way—nine people to date. But this didn’t deter treasure hunters—they’ve been looking for pouches of gold doubloons, diamonds, and precious gems ever since.

But the true treasure in the hills of the Cahuenga Pass is found in the cluster of mid-century houses, like 3343 Adina Drive, that dot the hillsides.

Surrounded by stonewalls, the house sits on a hill amongst mature trees, native California drought plants, and tropical foliage. A gently sloped carport creates a stunning lead up to the front entrance.

The house, cocooned in a forest like a modern tree house, has massive glass windows that allow dappled light to filter into the interior spaces bringing the outside in.

Described by some as an upside down tree house because the living spaces are on the second floor. A wooden deck surrounds this floor. One step outside and you’re walking in a forest.

An asymmetrical stone fireplace creates a stunning focal point in the cantilevered living room complete with sliding glass doors, and polished floors.

Slide open the glass doors and you’ll step into a cozy barbeque area complete with stone fire pit and wrap-around benches for outdoor entertaining under the stars.

The dining room seems to float above the trees while spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills in the distance peek out between branches of Eucalyptus and Jacaranda.

A fully modernized stainless steel kitchen brings the 1950s into the 21st century with a state of the art chef’s kitchen.

While just outside, an oasis of palm trees and tropical plants surround a resort-style pool and spa area. Who needs a vacation with a backyard like this?

The master bedroom is almost completely made of glass yet still feels private and intimate.

And a secluded enclave just outside, with its outdoor tub, and flagstone patio and walls, transforms the bedroom into a spa sanctuary complete with patio shower.

A mid-century gem, 3343 Adina Drive combines the indoor/outdoor living of classic, architecturally significant 1950s homes with the latest in 21st century conveniences.

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